University Chorale Announces Spring Tour Dates

The University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Brent Ballweg, recently announced spring concert tour dates in locations throughout Missouri and Kansas. The tour will run March 28 through April 2. The group is the premiere mixed ensemble on Oklahoma Baptist University's campus in Shawnee.

The University Chorale will perform in concert at First Baptist Church, Springfield, Mo., on Fri., March 28 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 525 South Ave. For more information, call (417) 866-7202.

On Sunday, March 30, they will perform at Parkway Baptist Church, St. Louis, Mo., during the 10:30 a.m. service. The church is located at 12465 Olive Blvd. For more information, call (314) 434-2310.

That evening, the Chorale will perform at Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Mo., during the 6 p.m. service. The church is located at 3724 W Truman Blvd. For more information, call (573) 893-2876.

On Monday, March 31, the Chorale will perform at Lenexa Baptist Church, Lenexa, Kan., with a 7:30 p.m. concert. The church is located at 15320 W. 87th Street Parkway. For more information, call (913) 599-6447.

On Tuesday, April 1, the group will perform at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Overland Park, Kan., with a 7:30 p.m. concert. The church is located at 11100 College Blvd. For more information, call (913) 345-1256.

On Wednesday, April 2, the Chorale will stage their final performance of the tour during the 10 a.m. chapel service at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. The seminary is located at 5001 N Oak Trafficway. For more information, call (816) 414-3700.

The group will perform pieces from their 2013-14 repertoire during the tour, which includes songs such as "Sing Unto God," "How Lovely Are the Messengers," "Hosanna! Rejoice and Sing," "How Great Thou Art," "Shout to the Lord," "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord" and many others.

Since its founding in 1963, the University Chorale has been OBU's premiere mixed ensemble. Comprised of 45 of OBU's finest singers selected by audition, Chorale's purpose remains the same as it was in its earliest days: "to present advanced choral literature to the OBU campus and community." University Chorale is in demand for performances in the state and region and maintains an active performing schedule both on and off campus. The Chorale has previously appeared at the Southwestern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, The Church Music Workshop, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Oklahoma State Youth Choir Festival and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference.

The University Chorale is under the direction of Dr. Brent Ballweg, Burton H. Patterson professor of music and director of choral activities at OBU. He received a bachelor's degree from OBU and a master's degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ballweg is an active guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator for various festivals, music contests and workshops across the country.

Additional information about The University Chorale, including audition information, concert bookings and schedule, can be obtained by visiting the Fine Arts Web pages, or by contacting the director at brent.ballweg@okbu.edu or (405) 585-4316.